You shouldn’t be forced to give up comfort or spend a lot to keep your home at a refreshing temp during summer weather.

But what is the ideal setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy professionals so you can select the best temperature for your loved ones.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Huntingburg.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most households find using the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a sizeable difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, your utility expenses will be higher.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems hot, there are ways you can keep your house refreshing without having the air conditioner on frequently.

Keeping windows and blinds shut during the day keeps chilled air where it should be—indoors. Some window treatments, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are made to give more insulation and better energy efficiency.

If you have ceiling fans in your home, the DOE says you can increase thermostat settings about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. That’s since they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, shut them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try running a trial for a week or so. Start by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, progressively turn it down while adhering to the ideas above. You might be surprised at how cool you feel at a higher temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC going all day while your home is unoccupied. Switching the temperature 7–10 degrees warmer can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your home more quickly. This isn’t productive and typically produces a higher electricity cost.

A programmable thermostat is a good way to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you go.

If you need a convenient fix, think over getting a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it realizes when you’re at your house and when you’re gone. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for maximum savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 annually on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another plus of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to monitor and regulate temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that might be unpleasant for the majority of families. Many people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cold, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We recommend following a comparable test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and gradually decreasing it to select the right setting for your family. On cool nights, you may find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a better idea than operating the AC.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are extra ways you can conserve money on AC bills throughout hot weather.

  1. Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An updated air conditioner can keep your house more comfortable while keeping electricity expenses low.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner service. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running properly and could help it run at greater efficiency. It could also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables techs to discover little troubles before they cause a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters frequently. Read manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A clogged filter can cause your system to short cycle, or run too much, and increase your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has come apart over time can leak conditioned air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create major comfort troubles in your home, like hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep warm air where it should be by plugging cracks. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more conditioned air inside.

Conserve More Energy During Warm Weather with Dearing's Service & Solutions

If you are looking to use less energy during hot weather, our Dearing's Service & Solutions pros can help. Reach us at 812-200-5844 or contact us online for more information about our energy-saving cooling products.